Unfortunately, not every woman is able to have a complication-free cosmetic surgery experience. It’s for this reason that revision surgery is also a popular type of breast surgery. Breast implant surgery tends to be more complex and involved than a primary breast augmentation or lift. This is why you need to make sure you have the right professional to assist you.
Breast Implant Revision – Procedure Basics
Breast implant revision surgery is designed to replace your old breast implants with new ones. During the same procedure, the position and size of the breasts can also be adjusted.
The reason why revision surgery tends to be more complex is because it needs to be tailored to your specific requirements. Over and above this, your existing complications also need to be dealt with.
A procedure of this nature needs to be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who has specific experience in revision surgery.
Before you can undergo a second surgery, your surgeon will need to relook at your medical records and perform a full examination. According to A/Prof Magnusson, your breast tissue and skin elasticity will play an important role in the revision procedure. Once your surgeon clears you as an ideal candidate, a personalized surgical plan can be developed. You can also discuss a date for your surgery.
The good news is that if you choose to undergo revision surgery, you will benefit from the latest surgical techniques. If you pair this with the skills of an experienced surgeon, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be happy with the results.
However, realistic expectations are still key.
Why Consider Breast Revision?
One of the first reasons why women should consider a revision procedure is because they’re experiencing pain. Capsular contracture is one of the most common causes of pain after augmentation surgery. This complication causes a hard shell to form around one or both implants, causing the breast to tighten and harden.
Implant asymmetry is another popular reason to consider this procedure. It’s not uncommon for one breast to look different to the other once they heal. With this being said, your breasts will never be perfectly symmetrical, even after a second surgery. In some cases, the breasts can also be too close together, which requires another surgery. Patients do this to create a more significant cleavage. Correcting this may require a smaller implant though.
Another complication that leads to revision surgery is bottoming out. This is when poor elasticity causes the implant to fall lower on the chest, creating an unnatural appearance. The breast implant can also end up too high on the chest due to capsular contracture distortion.
Women also consider revision surgery if they want to change the type of implant they’re using or its size. Newer implant types such as gummy implants are fast becoming the preferred choice. Not only do they look and feel more natural but they don’t leak either.
The implant will still need to be replaced if it ruptures but the cohesive gel in the implant stops it from immediately spreading. In this case, surgeons often recommend gummy implants to new augmentation and revision patients.
Lastly, wanting to completely remove implants is another reason for revision surgery. Implants are designed to last for at least 10 years if no complications occur. However, some women prefer to have them removed sooner for personal reasons.
How the Recovery Differs
Many patients want to know how their revision surgery recovery will differ from their initial procedure. The answer is it depends.
If you are just removing your implants, the recovery won’t be as intense. Bruising, swelling and itching can be expected though. If you are pairing the removal with a lift, this will extend the recovery time slightly.
If you are planning to replace your implants, the recovery will be similar to your first procedure. However, there may be some additional discomfort in the form of tightness and stretching if larger implants were used. You will also need to wait several months again for your implants to settle before you see results.
Overall, you won’t necessarily experience additional discomfort that could make the recovery worse.
Much of the same aftercare instructions will apply. From wearing a compression garment and sleeping in an elevated position to correctly caring for your wounds. Following your surgeon’s specific instructions will ensure the best outcome after your revision surgery.
The Bottom Line
Breast revision surgery is a personal choice and one that requires some proper planning. The last thing you want is to end up with unsatisfactory results a second time. Taking the time to find the best possible surgeon is the first step in the right direction. Shopping around for a surgeon based on price is not the right approach. Undergoing a second procedure is not ideal but with the right help, you can finally enjoy the results you were hoping for.